C H O F Ministry

Tag: Holy Spirit

  • Probing For Spiritual Answers – “SAY NO”

    Praise The Lord Beloved!!! ✝️❤️😊
    This week’s question is: Bishop Houston, many people come to me and ask me to do different things and ask me for favors. I am a sympathetic person, and I am always putting myself in their position. But there are times I feel I’m being played, and when I go to them for a favor or ask them to do something for me, it’s like trying to get meat from an angry lion or an excuse why they can’t. Bishop, I want to know how do I say “no” to people without feeling guilty?

    This morning’s question is a great one. Thank you for asking.
    Answer: Beloved, saying no is an exceedingly tricky conclusion, especially saying no to those you love and faithfully care about. At one time, I had my internal bouts by not denying the request of others. That was until I learned to trust the Holy Spirit within me. I learned to allow Him to have His way. You see, the problem lies within; Its “internal, it’s your compassionate desire verses your spiritual aspirations. Beloved, when you remove you (your compassionate desire) and agree to permit the Holy Spirit within you to be your guide, you can say “no” without explanation, justification, or guilt. You will be able to let your yes be yes, and your no is no without any reservations.

    Now, at times you will have to apply your spiritual discernment to discuss why you had to say “no.” You are going to have to let them know you are trusting the Lord to help you make decisions about specific (or all) areas of your life. Help them comprehend that He understands what lies ahead in every decision, and you cannot just lean on your own understanding or do your own thing without getting His approval!!!

    And, when you do discern that you need to say “no,” DON’T WAVER. Your “no” may be the key to help others reconsider their idea or course of action. The Spirit could lead them to a better decision or approach.

    But do not ever think you owe anyone an explanation for saying “no,” primarily if you have candidly and truthfully made clear to them who directs your life and how you make decisions!!! Amen? Amen.
    ✝️❤️😊

    Beloved, I hope my answer has helped you.
    Thank you for your question.
    Bishop, W. F. Houston, Jr.

  • “Does My Immoral Past Disqualify Me from Leadership Roles?”

    Probing For Spiritual Answers Pre conversion
    Q. Bishop Houston does a man’s previous immoral lifestyle or sinful things he’s done in his life disqualify him from a leadership position in the church?

    Answer: This is an awesome question. It’s a question I’ve had to answer for many, and it’s personally one of my favorite questions. I’ll be delighted to answer you.
     
    Beloved, in my opinion, the most important biblical text, for your question is, found in 2 Corinthians 5: 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 (AMP) – *16 So from now on we regard no one from a human point of view [according to worldly standards and values]. Though we have known Christ from a human point of view, now we no longer know Him in this way. *17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life].
     
    You see, when we fully believe and trust, in other words, have “ALL CONFIDENCE” that it’s Jesus’ saving work that rescued or removed us from immoral harm or danger, we become a new creation. Our old concepts and views no longer exist. The blood of Jesus covers the sins of one’s pre-conversion. In Christ, our sins (immoral ways and thinking) are both exonerated and not remembered.
     
    ” Jeremiah 31:34 (Msg) says: They will no longer go around setting up schools to teach each other about God. They’ll know me firsthand, the dull and the bright, the smart, and the slow. I’ll wipe the slate clean for each of them. I’ll forget they ever sinned!” God’s Decree. Hebrews 8:12 (AMP) says: “For I will be merciful and gracious toward their wickedness, And I will remember their sins no more.” Hebrews 10:17 (Amp) says: “And their sins and their lawless acts I will remember no more [no longer holding their sins against them].”
     
    Paul understood it and believed and acknowledge it in 1 Timothy 1:15-16 (NLT) – *15 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. *16 But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.
     
    Beloved, God’s restorative blessing ought to humble us and inspire us to work for Him, understanding that whatever He accomplishes through us is to His glory and praise. It should also persuade others by giving them hope of being useful in God’s service, “whether it be in a leadership role or not).
     
    Paul reminds the Corinthian saints that many of them were once in the fast lane, (getting drunk E & J, Crown Royal, Hennessy, The Bull, etc… Getting high smoking weed-kush-wet, shurm, crack, shooting heroin, cocaine, meth, etc.. Women abusers (beating and or cheating on your spouse, girlfriend or boyfriend, and Women of the night too, were given a new life in Christ. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (CEV) says: Don’t you know that unjust people won’t inherit God’s kingdom? Don’t be deceived. Those who are sexually immoral, those who worship false gods, adulterers, both participants in same-sex intercourse, *10 thieves, the greedy, drunks, abusive people, and swindlers won’t inherit God’s kingdom. *11 That is what some of you used to be! But you were washed clean, you were made holy to God, and you were made right with God in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.
    Paul delivers this message to everyone: our identification with Christ by faith means that we died with Him. Christ has completely dealt with our sins and the sentence has been erased. When we were restored to life in Him, we climbed into the vehicle of a new kind of life, rejuvenated by His Holy Spirit. So, we must no longer live as we did during pre-conversion. We now live our life for Him – Romans 6:8-11.
     
    Now there are qualifications for elders (and deacons) found in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus. They are character qualifications based upon a reasonable period lived as a Christian, not a new convert according to 1 Timothy 3:6. So actually, they don’t focus on anyone’s sins before salvation.
     
    So, in general, the sins of anyone’s past as an unbeliever cannot disqualify a “new creation” from leading in the church or mystery. Now, if, for some reason, this individual’s past casts a shadow on his reputation inside or outside the church, rightly or wrongly, then it would seem best not to appoint him or her to a leadership role in the church.
     
    I also do believe one’s past sins should be considered in certain instances, for the safety of the forgiven sinner and the reputation of the church. For example, if a convicted embezzler “pre-conversion” would best not be made the church treasurer. It may tempt that individual, or to make him or her vulnerable to suspicions and accusations.
     
    Beloved, I hope my answer has helped you. Again, thank you for your question.
     
    Bishop, W. F. Houston, Jr.

  • “Do I Need To Go To Bible School To Preach?”

    Probing For Spiritual Answers Do I Need To Go To Bible School To Preach
    Bishop, Houston, I see many people men and women on the internet preaching, opening their church or ministry. I want to share the word of God, but some tell me I need to go to a bible college. Do I have to go to bible school to preach or teach God’s word?

    An excellent question. Thank you for asking. ✝️❤️😊
     
    Answer:
    Because of the cost to go to a Bible College or a Seminary, many have found social media sites are a free open source to share their religious and spiritual concepts. Now I think two essential questions anyone wanting to be a preacher or even go into ministry should be “what is my spiritual gift?” and “Am I doing this for self-promotion (look good)?”
     
    I Corinthians Chapter 12 is a great chapter to read. It highlights the spiritual gifts. In this chapter, you’ll see that all of the Trinity is connected to the existence, wellbeing, and development of the church, and this is especially evident in the matter of spiritual gifts. You’ll also see in 1 Corinthians 12: 7 and verse 18, the Holy Spirit provides every believer one or more spiritual gifts. Then it’s the Word of God that will direct the believer towards where and how their spiritual gift activates the development and wellbeing of the church. It’s God the Father who regulates the degree of influence (success) that this gift and ministry will have.
     
    Now to answer your question, No. And Yes if you’re going to be launched by a religious or spiritual edifice: religious or spiritual exchange, denomination, or tradition. I’ve watched, heard, and set up under great pastors that have never had any form of Biblical schooling, and they can bring down the house when they preach. But to get a detailed theological understanding a Bible-based seminary or Bible school is applicable. Some churches and ministries promote and launch from within after taking their concise training. If you decide that you want to allow your church or ministry to ordain, be sure that church or ministry is one that will do their best to help you discover and develop your spiritual gifts.
     
    Now be very careful when it comes to churches and ministries that have ministers and preachers that think they own the church or ministry and will not correctly equip you for various reasons such as they’re afraid you’ll supersede them or you’re not in a particular financial grouping or your family affiliation is sub-par for the edifice. Set up under someone that will minister to others as he or she equips you for ministry.
     
    Probing for Spiritual Answers Cross-Reference Verses
    N/A

  • Probing For Spiritual Answers: “Just Say No”

    Just Say No
    Praise The Lord Beloved!!! ✝️❤️😊

    This morning’s question was:
    Bishop Houston, I’m a compassionate person, and I love to help people when I can. Even when they come to me with a lie, I’ve tried to see the upside and do what I feel is best – usually giving in. I want to start telling people NO. What do you suggest I do to help me say no?

    Thank you for your excellent question. 😊

    Answer:
    There are deceivers on all levels, and many are so believable. Before being spiritually renovated and spiritually redeveloped, I was a deceiver, and I received my share of deception too. But the key to saying no is allowing the Holy Spirit to be full time in your life. The Holy Spirit identifies the scammer, deceiver, those that fabricate, and the straight up in your face liar. When you permit the Holy Spirit inside you to be your guide, you can speak “no” without an apparent reason. Now there may be people in your life (if they’re close to you); it’s Ok to discuss the reasoning why you’ve said no. You can tell them you trust the Lord to assist you in making choices about specific (or all) matters that come into your life. Let them know that He understands and recognizes what lies ahead in every decision, and you can’t just start leaning on your understanding (emotions). You can’t do anything without getting His OK!!!

    So, when you do recognize the situation and determine that you need to say “no,” DON’T HESITATE.” Maybe your “no” will benefit others by helping them reevaluate their strategy. The Spirit could lead them to a healthier choice or approach.
    AND DON’T YOU EVER THINK YOU OWE ANYONE AN EXPLANATION FOR SAYING NO!!! Especially if you’ve openly and honestly explained to them who guides your life and how you make decisions!!!

    Beloved, I leave you with 1 Corinthians 10:13 (AMP): “No temptation [regardless of its source] has overtaken or enticed you that is not common to human experience [nor is any temptation unusual or beyond human resistance]; but God is faithful [to His word—He is compassionate and trustworthy], and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability [to resist], but along with the temptation He [has in the past and is now and] will [always] provide the way out as well, so that you will be able to endure it [without yielding, and will overcome temptation with joy].” – Amen? Aaamen. ✝️❤️😊

    Probing For Spiritual Answers Cross-Reference Verses
    N/A

  • “Being Spiritually Invasive”

    10 9 2019 Eph. 6 17 Being Spiritually Invasive
    Praise the Lord Believers!!! 😀

     
    Beloved, the entire panoply Paul lists in Ephesians 6 is self-protective, except one: “The Sword of The Spirit.” That’s your invasive weapon for defeating Satan.
     
    Now, if you’ve noticed the Roman soldiers always carries two swords: the large broadsword and the small dagger. In verse 17 the Greek word for “sword” refers to the dagger, which was anywhere from six to eighteen inches long and was carried in a sheath or scabbard at the soldier’s side. The dagger was a common weapon. When you have time go back to Matt. 26:47 and you’ll see that the Roman soldiers who arrested Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane were each armed with one. In Matt. 26:51 Peter used one to cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant. In Acts 12:2 it was a dagger that was used to kill James, the brother of John. In Hebrews 11:37 it tells us that this same type of weapon was used against the heroes of the faith.
     
    Now, the Sword of the Spirit” doesn’t always penetrate in a straight position as we would think the Holy Spirit does. Remember this is spiritual warfare. The implications are that since our enemy is spiritual, our weapons also must be spiritual (*1). Our sword is spiritual because it’s the Word given by the Holy Spirit. He inspired its writing and through it convicts and redeems sinners (2).
     
    Beloved, it’s the Word that abides in you and it reconditions and transforms you. It supplies everything you need for a godly, victorious life. It builds you up and produces holiness (*3). And it equips you for good works by teaching, reproving, correcting, and training you in righteousness (*4).
     
    The Bible is an influential, dynamic and effective weapon. The question that stands at hand Beloved is: Do you know how to use it? Do you assiduously study it and apply its ethics to your life? Do you have a mental warehouse of biblical truth to draw from in the heat of battle?
     
    Beloved, the Roman dagger was a precision weapon designed for a precise spot to produce a precise result. Similarly, the sword of the Spirit is most effective when you apply precise biblical ethics to precise situations in your life. Do you do that Beloved? Amen? Aaamen. 😀
     
    CHOF Ministry’s Mid-Week Prayer:
    Dear Heavenly Father, please continue to increase my desire to know Your Word. Help me to continue to apply the wisdom You’ve blessed me with to make precise decisions for the situations I’ll face today.
    In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen and Aaamen.
     
    Beloved, life is very short. It comes and goes like an unannounced gust of wind. None of us know the hour or day when that gust of wind will be permitted to enter our room and blow out our earthly light. So today, reach out and touch someone and tell them you love them, BECAUSE TELLING THEM LATER JUST MIGHT BE TOO LATE. – I LOVE YOU ALL!!! Have a “Happy” Wednesday. 😀
     
    Please visit the Christian House of Faith, CHOF – CHOF Ministry on Facebook
    and Bishop W. F. Houston Jr. Ministry
     
    CHOF Ministry Cross Reference Scriptures and Verses:
    *1. 2 Cor. 10:4
    *2. John 16:8 & Heb. 4:12-13
    *3. Acts 20:32
    *4. 2 Tim. 3:16
     
    Christian House of Faith, CHOF/CHOF Ministry &
    Bishop, W. F. Houston Jr. Ministry:
    “An Online Ministry Teaching and Inspiring People All Over the World with Informative Biblical Principles.”

  • “Look But Don’t Lust”

    10 8 2019 1 John 2 16Praise the Lord Beloved. Happy Tuesday. 😀
     
    Beloved, let’s face it, with the presence of the internet and the expansion of social media we can now see people everywhere – all over the world.
     
    It doesn’t make a difference if we’re married or not, there are certain people that come into our life that we can become attracted to. A woman can see a tall or short muscular man with a six-pack and be attracted, and a man can see a beautiful voluptuous 36 24 36 or full-figured woman and be attracted. God created us that way. The key is to briefly admire “to appreciate” their appearance without entering the atmosphere of lusting. I want you to know that it’s okay to be attracted to a person just as long as we’re not lusting after them. We can see the person, admire their appearance and “MOVE ON.” The problem occurs when we 1. Start to invest our inner focus and 2. When we begin staring at them. Those two-element starts our immoral (sinful) actions. They open the doors and allow perverted thoughts to dwell in our minds and thinking about them later.
     
    If we find ourselves lusting, we must seek the Holy Spirit to give us a plan to remove lust from within us. He may give us a confession or expose us during tempting moments. He’ll give us the strength we need to go in another direction or offer a distraction.
     
    Beloved, let’s keep the signs of unrestricted lust planted in our minds so that our focus can be on God and our current or future spouse. Amen? Aaamen.
     
    Let Us Pray:
    Dear Heavenly Father, help us to continue to abolish lust. We know it is a worldly characteristic and it’s immoral. Thank You for providing the Holy Spirit who will help us when we are tempted to remove the unrestricted sign of lust from our mind. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen and Aaamen.
     
    Beloved, life is very short. It comes and goes like an unannounced gust of wind. None of us know the hour or day when that gust of wind will be permitted to enter our room and blow out our earthly light. So today, reach out and touch someone and tell them you love them, BECAUSE TELLING THEM LATER JUST MIGHT BE TOO LATE. – I LOVE YOU ALL!!! Have a blessed October and a pleasant Tuesday Everyone.
     
    CHOF Ministry & Bishop, W. F. Houston Jr. Ministry
    “An Online Ministry Teaching and Inspiring People
    All Over The World With Informative Biblical Principles.”

  • “Not Popular?”

    10 4 2019 Bishop Houston's Weekend Words Isaiah 54 17.png
    Praise the Lord Beloved!!! Happy Friday. 😀

    You know at times, Not being popular, disliked, ostracized, hated can be a good thing, especially when you’re not following the crowd because you know their objectives are misguided or just plain foolish. Also, there are times when the Holy Spirit convicts you to take a stand to speak the truth in love. But let me also add here that you’re not a witness for Christ either when you’re consumed by being righteous and full of pride. This doesn’t serve as an example of Christ-like behavior.
     
    Believers in the Christian faith should never act like the Pharisees who were righteous frauds. They were filled with deception and scams. They were hypocrites whose hearts were far away from God. In contrast to them is Jesus. He was kind and gentle and came to heal the brokenhearted – “unpopular, disliked, ostracized and hated.” So, don’t be concerned about being politically correct and possibly dishonoring God in the process. You see, when you take a strong stance for the truth according to God’s Word, God will bless you. 😀
     
    It isn’t always necessary for you to be argumentative just to prove your point. There are times when you have to speak up and times you know to hold back or shut up. God doesn’t want you to be in constant conflict with others. Proverbs 15:1 (AMP) tells us: “A soft and gentle and thoughtful answer turns away wrath, but harsh and painful and careless words stir up anger.”
     
    Beloved, this weekend, take a chance and just stand on the Rock. You’ll find that it’s the correct choice. God is real and He wants to be your firm foundation. And if this makes you unpopular, disliked, ostracized, hated – “So Be it!!!” – It could be a good thing.
     
    Weekend Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, help us all to remember the entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven “IS NOT” attained by popularity. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen and Aaamen.
     
    Have a blessed Friday and a “Great” Weekend Everyone!!! 😀

  • “Patiently Wait”

    10 2 2019 Patiently Waiting
    Praise the Lord Believers in the Christian faith.

    Jesus promised the disciples that they would be given the gift of being “baptized with the Holy Spirit.” But He didn’t clarify what that meant, what the influence would be, or how they should understand this gift. He merely told them to wait. I’m sure they had questions, but they were left to think about it and wait.

    When the Day of Pentecost came, “And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability” (Acts 2:4 NLT). As they waited, they received the gift Jesus promised them. Now, as you look at the verse closely, you’ll see that the Holy Spirit was given in God’s way and in His time.

    Beloved, it’s essential for us to wait for God’s promises that will fulfill us with the help we need, or for answers. Now, I’ll be the first to tell you, at times waiting is difficult. 😀 Even being faithful Believers, we easily can become discouraged and feel impatient. In spite of our prayers and the promises in the Bible, the answers at times don’t seem to come soon enough.

    We need to remember that waiting doesn’t mean that God is unhappy with us or that His promises aren’t true. It simply means that the time isn’t right, and we must wait for God’s time.

    Beloved don’t be impatient or lose your trust in God when you’re patiently waiting on His promised delivery. Keep praying and believing that He’ll answer your prayers. As you wait, prepare your heart and mind and be faithful to His Word and His direction for your life. Amen? Aaamen. 😀

    CHOF Ministry’s Mid-Week Prayer:
    Dear Heavenly Father, I commit all of CHOF Ministry followers and readers to You. I know that You’ve answered my prayers and I have faith that You’ll answer theirs also. In Jesus’ name, I pray,
    Amen and Aaamen.

    Beloved, life is very short. It comes and goes like an unannounced gust of wind. None of us know the hour or day when that gust of wind will be permitted to enter our room and blow out our earthly light. So today, reach out and touch someone and tell them you love them, BECAUSE TELLING THEM LATER JUST MIGHT BE TOO LATE.

    I LOVE YOU ALL!!! Have a “Blessed” Wednesday. 😀

    Please visit Christian House of Faith, CHOF – CHOF Ministry on Facebook
    www.facebook.com/christianhouseoffaithchof/
    and
    Bishop W. F. Houston Jr. Ministry
    bishopdrwfhoustonjr.wordpress.com

    Christian House of Faith, CHOF/CHOF Ministry: “An Online Ministry Teaching and Inspiring People All Over the World with Informative Biblical Principles.”

  • “That’s How the Thief Rolls”

    Tuesday 8 6 2019 Let Us Pray John 10 10.png
    Praise the Lord Beloved!!!

    You know, for many of us there has been a thief in our life of some kind that has played us or played on us at one time or another, and will continue to play us or on us until we take off the rose colored glasses and see him/her for who they truly are. It’s fine to be optimistic “BUT” not when it starts to be the entertainment of the day, the expense of a charade, being degraded, being downgraded, and flat out played by the thief!!!
     
    The thief is persistent in applying his/her influence (charm) in every way he/she can. In relationships, in morals, in spiritually enlightening moments, and emotional experiences, he’s/she’s always involved somehow. The reason is, it’s where he/she advances the most in the basic transactions of our soul. But knowing – understanding this reduces the chances that he/she can play you or manipulate you.
     
    Sure, just knowing this isn’t enough. You must know him/her, his/her character and the ways he/she establishes his/her conduct.
     
    Beloved, just step back and watch. 😀 When you see patterns in certain dynamics in people and in situations, those effects are positive clues about their cause. So, in order to make the casual connection to trap the thief, there has to be spiritual awareness within God’s people.
     
    Let me tell you, Jesus didn’t hesitate to oust Satan when His GPS picked up Satan’s telltale qualities. He knew and call Him out by name: “That’s Satan!!!” His GPS got to blinking red and squawking for a number of reasons. If you look prudently, you’ll get a clear picture of the remorseful character you’re dealing with. Watch and learn from the master, He’s the God who lives within you. Here’s what He had to say about Satan: He/she has fatal intent, He/she lies and deceives (back stabs) to justify evil agendas, He/she practices self-interest and self-gratification at others expense, He/she uses clever deviation and interference to disregard spiritual transformation, He/she uses many words to mask his/her lack of veracity, He/she takeover or steal God’s diplomacy through man made passions and self-interest, He/she opposes the development or advancement of the gospel in one’s life.
     
    This all translate to pure “DECEPTION!!!” That’s how the thief rolls. Amen? 😀 Aaamen. 😀
     
    Beloved, life is very short. It comes and goes like an unannounced gust of wind. None of us know the hour or day when that gust of wind will be permitted to enter our room and blow out our earthly light. So today, reach out and touch someone and tell them you love them, BECAUSE TELLING THEM LATER JUST MIGHT BE TOO LATE.
     
    I LOVE YOU ALL!!! Have a Blessed Tuesday Everyone. 😀

  • “You’re the Right Person”

    Monday 7 22 2019 Let Us Pray 1 Samuel 3 10
    Praise the Lord Beloved. Happy Monday. 😀

    Beloved, have you ever felt like the Lord was calling you subconsciously, challenging you to acknowledge? You know, our world today is definitely tuning out and actually altering what the Lord is saying. In this age, to many people the Lord doesn’t seem to be perceptible in a physical form and doesn’t distinctly speak to them. But, I’m here to tell you He does still speak to us. Through His Word and through His Holy Spirit, the Lord can speak to our temperament just as clearly as he spoke to Samuel. Even if you’re not yet a believer, the Lord can still speak to your temperament. It says in scripture that Samuel hadn’t yet known the Lord.
     
    Beloved, we should all be like Samuel, who after hearing the call “IMMEDIATELY” answered, “Here I am Lord.” Don’t stop to think things out or over evaluate the situation. Simply answer, “Here I am Lord.” The same God who made the celestial ambiance will give you everything you need to be successful in whatever He has called you to do. You must have confidence that He wouldn’t call you to do it if you weren’t the precise person He had in mind for the job. 😀
     
    Beloved, life is very short. It comes and goes like an unannounced gust of wind. None of us know the hour or day when that gust of wind will be permitted to enter our room and blow out our earthly light. So today, reach out and touch someone and tell them you love them, BECAUSE TELLING THEM LATER JUST MIGHT BE TOO LATE.
     
    I LOVE YOU ALL!!! Have an amazing Monday and an awesome week. 😀